; FAQ 2212: HOSTED ASCVal FAQs

FAQ 2212: HOSTED ASCVal FAQs

Problem:

FAQs about AWS Appstream Connection to Hosted version of ASCVal


Solution:

Q1. How can I print to file?
You should have your own computer print devices setup and adobe or pdf printer set as default. Set your Printer under ASC main menu-File-Printer Setup (Graphic). When you review the listing you will see your own computer printers and select the pdf writer (adobe sometimes it may also say redirect....) then click into "Save Settings" and "OK".

Q2. Why do I have to rename my pdf files?
You do not have to rename your pdf files as the file names will save automatically as long as your own computer print device pdf printer is setup as default. See Q1.
Q3. How can I import a file?
Upload your data file to your Home folder (you can create sub-folders). Then when in Ascript-Import, browse to the Home>Subfolder> to locate your files (you can save your TXT file and your VIF files here).
Q4. Why won't Ascript import my excel file?
Presently the excel formats are not available for Ascript-Import, we hope to make this available very soon. Meanwhile, save your data to a TXT or CSV format and the import will work as expected.
Q5. Where do I find and save my Grid files or Reporter files?
Reporter rms files are saved in your M:\Ascapp\ASCNET\REPORTS\ folder. Grid .grx files are saved in your M:\Ascapp\ASC\USER\ folder.

Q6. How do I access Importer files that I downloaded from a vendor?
Upload your data file to your Home folder (you can create sub-folders). Then when in Importer, browse using the magnifying glass to the Home>Subfolder> to locate your files.

Q7. Where are my portable copies saving?
The default for saving portable copies is NDM\TEMP but if you want additional access for saving to your computer or sending to ASC support, then when in the Portable copy window, click on Setup and browse using the new access via Explorer to save the portable copy to the Home>Subfolder> of your choice. Then later go to your Home>Subfolder and access all of the files that make up your portable copy.
Q8. Where are my Importer - backup portable copies saving?
The default for saving portable copies for Importer is ASC\IMPORTER_BACKUP and the Year and Disk.
Q9. Where are my Annual Update - backup portable copies saving?
The default for saving portable copies for Importer is ASC\BACKUP and the Year and Disk.
Q10. How long until my Appstream times out?
The setting is 25 minutes of idle time. The system will require you to login again. Note: Temporary Files will be deleted with a timeout, same as logging out. The overall setting is 60 minutes.
Q11. How can I quickly run a wizard?
Create a custom link on your main menu toolbar (depending on if the wizard runs across plans or one an opened plan). Link to the wzd file of your wizard and run it from the link. All of the files must be saved to the same folder and clearly identified in the data entry screen of the wizard. You can also run existing wizards that may be available to you under ASCNET\REPORTS such as the Runtests wizard (designed to run all of the compliance tests based off of the saved dialog for the opened plan).
Q12. There are 2 different views if I connect via WebBrowser vs. the App?
This is true, there are different features available under the Web Browser and it shows a different view. The App allows ASC to appear on your desktop just like another opened application. The App allows for broader printing options and the Web Browser gives additional options on your Home and Temporary files folder (i.e. option to delete a file). The App files version allows for upload/download and renaming but not deleting.
Q13. Can I connect to my own computer drives?
Yes, Access the Settings in the My Files or Storage area and click into the Local Resources to share your drives.
Q14. Why am I unable to search my pdf?
You can search your pdf but when it prints in this hosted environment it is an image and you may need to make a change in your adobe or other pdf printer product to run text recognition to search text. Alternatively, a workaround could be to save the file as searchable with a 2nd printing/saving. First, save the file by printing it using your X_PDF software i.e. X would be Nitro or Cute or Adobe etc. to establish the file's naming convention. Then, print the same document again, this time using the redirected Microsoft to PDF or DCV printer. Click on the previously saved document (printed from X_PDF) to grab the file name and save over the PDF with the new printer settings, making the file searchable. If the free CutePDF printer is setup with your hosted version, and this is used to print exclusively the printed pdfs will be searchable and will name appropriately vs. printing with the Microsoft Print to PDF which requires the user to name the file.
Q.15 Can I delete or remove files in my Home folder?
Yes, you may remove files by checking the box for each file and it is allowed under the browser display connection. Keep in mind, the temporary folder is purged each time you exit the App.
Q.16 Why won't my export 5500 work, it keeps erroring or doing nothing?
Any pre-set file paths that are saved in your dialog will need to be re-established with the Hosted ascapp path. Click into the magnifying glass to make this work properly.
Q17. Will maintenance or updates be required for the ASCval system or AWS App Stream? Is there scheduled downtime for maintenance?
Actuarial Systems Corporation will maintain AWS AppStream and ASCval. The system may be down for scheduled maintenance by ASC staff every Sunday from 7am to 11am Eastern.
Q18. What is the recommended way to download a portable copy from ASC?
Using a saved drive/folder setup using local resources is the most direct approach. If you use the Home folder, it can be limiting for downloads unless the file is zipped.